Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Gallery

In recent years, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has become a rite of passage for adventure travelers. By hiking the trail, you enter the park from the “Sun Gate” at dawn and are able to see Machu Picchu from a high vantage point. Trekkers can snap some amazing Inca Trail photos of ruins, mountains and llamas along the way, and get images of Machu Picchu just as the morning fog clears.

Inca Trail treks begin in Cusco, where travelers acclimatize themselves to the high altitude before setting out on the trail. Only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day – 200 trekkers, and 300 guides, cooks and porters. Travelers must book months in advance to be guaranteed trail permits. Peak months for trekking are May – September, the dry winter season. Some hikers, though (like me!), prefer the green rainy season of the spring.

The “Classic” Inca Trail hike is 4 days and 3 nights of intense trekking. Travelers ascend multiple passes, the highest of which is over 4300m above sea level (over 14,000 feet). Camping along the route is primitive, with tents set up by porters each night. In the morning, after breakfast, the campsite is completely torn down and moved for the next day. The only luxury is the meals: many trekkers are surprised by the delicious fare prepared by their chefs along the route.

Day trippers to Machu Picchu can take a train from the nearby city of Aguas Calientes. But true adventurers will tell you that’s not the way to see it. The best way is after pushing yourself to the limits of endurance with four days on the trail’s high altitudes and rocky terrain. And then that night, after a long-overdue shower or soak in the hot springs, celebrating with a round of pisco sours.

View Inca Trail photos of ruins and sites usually seen only by those who make the trek. Click on any image to open the gallery.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Gallery

Most Inca Trail Treks begin in Cusco, Peru

Detail of a door on a home in Cusco

The streets of Cusco

Fountain in the Cusco main square

Doors of a church in Cusco

A street scene in Cusco

The town of Ollantaytambo, where many travelers spend the night before their trek.

Local crafts from a village outside Ollantaytambo

A woman shows how yarn is made and dyed for crafts

The iconic photo at the start of every trek

Km82, the start of the Inca Trail route

Trekkers receive a passport stamp upon entering the park

The first ruin site, Llacapata

A welcome sight, indicating the evening’s campsite

The view from the first and highest pass at over 14,000 feet

We survived Dead Woman’s Pass!

Guides, chefs and porters for our 15 trekkers

View of the cloud forest of the trail

A llama high above the Urubamba river

The ruins of Intipata

Phuyupatamarka ruins

A typical section of the trail

The lush, terraced ruins of Wiñay Wayna

Sign for Intipunku, signaling the end of trek and entrance to Machu Picchu

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About The Haphazard Traveler

Hello, fellow traveler! I'm Adrienne, amateur photographer, adventure traveler and blogger. Ten years ago I didn't even have a passport, but since then I've logged nearly 300,000 miles and graduated from haphazard traveler to expert! I'm sharing my personal stories and advice (including mishaps!) to help others follow their own wanderlists. Follow me on Instagram and I'll follow back to see your travels! Or feel free to comment on any of my posts with questions. Happy traveling!